mdcmoto

Pugsday

2012-01-14T16:02:00.000-06:00

Sarcasm...

2012-01-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

Redhead New Year's Eve for Coach

2011-12-31T08:34:00.000-06:00

Redhead Monday...by request

2011-12-19T08:46:00.002-06:00

cruiser

2011-11-26T14:15:00.001-06:00

BEFORE

AFTER

winter bike project

2011-11-22T08:31:00.000-06:00

...i think it will be done before winter actually gets here.

...so this is my problem...but I guess I knew that already

2011-11-16T13:37:00.001-06:00

I kept the ones that fit me...too many!

http://abourbonforsilvia.wordpress.com/2010/11/10/50-reasons-not-to-date-a-graphic-designer/

50 reasons not to date a graphic designer

by a bourbon for silvia on November 10, 2010

(in bold my most representatives)

1. They are very weird people.
2. There are billions of them in the world, like colors on the screen of your computer.
3. They will analyse conversations in layers.
5. They drink and eat all kinds of weird shit just because they like the packaging.
6. They hate each other.
7. You’ll come out the last out of the movies because you have to see the full list of credits.
9. They fuck up all the tables with their cutters.
10. They rather study the paisley pattern on your outfit than listen to what you have to say.
11. They will fill your house with magazines and whatever is out there that has drawings.
12. You never know if it is really an original or a copy.
13. They make collages with your photos.
14. They do not know how to add and subtract, they just understand letters.
15. They idolize people who nobody knows and speak of them as if they were his colleagues.
16. They take pictures almost daily and all are cut in weird shapes.
17. They ask your opinion about everything but they do whatever they want.
18. Everything is left justified, right or center unless they arrive late.
19. They hate Comic Sans with the same passion they love Helvetica.
22. They steal street signs.
25. Everything becomes something other than what it really is: cards as tickets, cards as …
27. Do not know how to dress without consulting the Pantone book.
28. They hate Excel.
29. They read comics.
31. You will spend the day brainstorming.
35. They can’t go to a restaurant without secretly critiquing the menu design.
40. They have own iPods before you knew they existed.
41. The orgasm they remember is when they heard that Adobe was acquiring Macromedia.
42. They have their own shops just for them and there are the most expensive in the city.
44. You will never understand their gifts.
45. They see ordinary objects and laugh.
46. You wake up in the middle of the night hearim them screaming “When is the deadline?”
47. They see CMYK and RGB like Neo sees the Matrix.
48. They dream of the day nobody will make a single change to their designs.
49. They rather pay for a font than for a special birthday gift.
50. They are always sleepy because they work 24/7.

FOR SALE: 2011 Specialized S-Works Epic FSR

2011-10-13T20:06:00.000-05:00

email me at: mdcmoto559@gmail.com for price and questions

Size: Medium
Weight: 21 lbs 4 oz. as pictured
Miles: 1100 miles
NEW Shift Cables & Housing

FRAME: FACT 11m carbon front triangle, FACT IS construction, gussetless TT S/M, FACT carbon seatstays w/carbon
non-drive DO and chainstays, tapered HT, carbon PF-30 BB, 142mm drop-outs, sealed cartridge bearing pivots,
replaceable derailleur hanger, 100mm
REAR SHOCK: Fox/Specialized remote Mini-Brain, inertia valve, w/ Brain Fade adjust, 187x47mm
FORK: Specialized Future Shock E100, inertia valve, 1 1/2-1 1/8
HEADSET: 1-1/8 and 1.5
STEM: Ritchey WCS 4-axis 31.8 100mm 84/96 deg Wet Red
HANDLEBARS: FSA SL-K Carbon Flat Bar 31.8, 600mm, 6' Sweep
GRIPS: (NEW) Specialized lock-on White
FRONT BRAKE: Custom Avid XX World Cup R, tool-less reach adj., (NEW) alloy backed Organic pads,
magnesium caliper and lever body w/ carbon blade, ti hardware, 160mm rotor
REAR BRAKE: Custom Avid XX World Cup R, tool-less reach adj., (NEW) alloy backed Organic pads,
magnesium caliper and lever body w/ carbon blade, ti hardware, 140mm rotor
BRAKE LEVERS: Custom Avid XX World Cup R hydraulic, tool-less reach adjust, magnesium body, carbon lever
FRONT DER: SRAM XX, S3 direct mount for DMD, top swing, bottom pull
REAR DER: SRAM XX, 10-speed, mid cage
SHIFT LEVERS: SRAM XX, 10-speed, carbon trigger, Match Maker clamp
CASSETTE: SRAM XG-1080 11-36 10 speed Cassette - 125 miles on cassette
CHAIN: KMC X10SL 10 speed Chain Ti Gold - 125 miles on chain
CRANKSET: S-Works OS carbon crank, 10-speed XC double, custom XX spider/rings, 175mm
CHAINRINGS: 39A x 26A, 4-bolt
PEDALS: None
RIMS: Roval Control SL, disc, 24mm, 24h
FRONT HUB: (NEW Ceramic Bearings) Roval Control SL, carbon/alloy, 24h, OS 28mm end caps, QR -
REAR HUB: Roval Control SL 142+, DT Star Ratchet, 28h
SPOKES: DT Swiss Revolution 2.0/1.5/2.0mm stainless
FRONT TIRE: S-Works Fast Trak LK, 120 TPI, 2Bliss ready aramid bead, dual compound, 26x2.0
REAR TIRE: S-Works Fast Trak LK, 120 TPI, 2Bliss ready aramid bead, dual compound, 26x2.0
INNER TUBES: Tubeless
SADDLE: Specialized BG Phenom Expert, Ti rails, 143mm width
SEATPOST: S-Works Carbon, single-bolt head, 30.9mm, 400mm

Crash, Bonk & Break...and Mother Nature

2011-09-28T18:00:00.000-05:00

Seems like the last couple of months have been a racing nightmare. I've always had good luck in the past, but now I think it's all caught up to me at once. It's been an eye opener racing in the Pro/Cat 1 class this year. I believe I was on schedule with my training at the beginning of the year, but slacked a little and got left in the dust. Live and learn for next year.

Camrock started the ball rolling with the bad luck. Had issues with my front brake, which I've finally discovered it was my fault all along. Then on to Border Battle and a stupid tree had to run out in front of me on the first lap. Don't they look before they cross the trail? Finished strong with a flesh wound. I thought that would be the end of the bad luck?

Reforestation I bonked and crashed again...I never crash, and now I can't stop...maybe getting old? ha ha

Copper Harbor Fat Tire was looking good for me. I was feeling good and riding good until I heard - ting ting ting ting...broken spoke!

Borrowed Jitter's wheel for Lake Geneva. Pop into the first single track and this place was slick! I had been warned about it being slippery. Well, I was sliding down the dry 2 track also. Flat Tire! It was a pleasant walk back to base camp.

Chequamegon was the best time I've had all season! Rode with friends all day and only a minor issue again, but not enough to stop me. A Great Weekend!

Bear Paw or Muddy Paw as it is being called. Rain, Rain, Rain.
I should have taken the advice given to me and not even started, but I did. This picture is from about half way through the first lap (my only lap). Picture makes it look good. I give props to everyone who finished.

On to the WORS final at Sheboygan...I'm looking forward to celebrating the season with my team, Adventure 212/Specialized!!! They make it worthwhile to continue on all season long! And to all my friends who we see race after race. It's like one big family!

Border Battle - The Tree Wins!

2011-08-24T08:48:00.000-05:00

The highlight of the first lap was getting back up and racing after a tree ran into me in the first section of single track. I got just a little too close with my bars and was on the ground before I could react. My arm took most of the impact. Good thing there is already 14" of hardware keeping it together or it might be broken again.

Adrenalin kept me going and I started to catch a few people here and there. It was some great single track to ride on.

Overall I'm happy with my effort. Legs felt good and I could hang onto the bars even tho every bump hurt. Finishing is the only option unless dead or bike is in pieces.

Looking forward to the race at the camp. If I can only make it through the first lap without an incident, it will be a good day!

Thanks to my teammates and friends for helping me out every weekend!!!

Big Thanks to Adventure 212/Specialized for letting me enjoy the Ride!!!

Redhead Monday

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

Redhead Monday

2011-08-15T20:05:00.000-05:00

Some Race Images

2011-08-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

WORS Firecracker

WORS Alterra

Wausau 24

WORS Camrock

WORS Subaru Cup

2011-06-28T21:20:00.000-05:00

A decent weekend of suffering at the WORS Subaru Cup.

WORS - 9 Mile

2011-06-15T10:01:00.000-05:00

Photo by Niki Frazier

I think I'm stuck in the 100 miler gear. Not good for WORS races, especially the starts. Plan to work on that after the Subaru Cup.

Felt like I was dragging a boat anchor until we hit the single track, then I got my flow going. Rode my own race, kept my laps consistent and picked off a few guys as the race wore on. The course raced better than I expected. Still wish there was more single track. Overall a successful race for me. 59th in Pro/Elite. If I can cut 10 minutes off my time, I'm top 25. Good Luck to myself! ha ha.

Next up is Lumberjack 100 in Michigan this weekend, then WORS Subaru Cup.

Thanks to Adventure 212/Specialized, Hostel Shoppe, Crank Brothers, Scrub Components, Hidden Bay Apparel, Optic Nerve, Stan's No Tubes for all the support this season!

so far away...

2011-06-05T21:22:00.000-05:00

was the song by Avenged Sevenfold going thru my head during the entire Mohican 100 on Saturday...thankfully it's a song I like or it would have driven me crazier than I am! I kept thinking the finish was "so far away", but I kept movin on.

My goal was to finish the 100 miles. Last year was mega mud and DNF, year before knee issues and a DNF. I had a time goal, but wasn't too concerned about it.

My Custom "Finisher" Shirt from Chris Peariso

I took it easy up the start hill, in fact I think I took it easy up every hill. I made it easily to the 1st (20 miles) and 2nd (34 miles) aid stations feeling pretty good. Scott was at the 3rd (46 miles) aid station, which was bad for him (got taken out in the first few miles), but good for me, since he knows what I needed to keep going. After leaving the 3rd aid station I knew I would make it. No reason not too today!

On the way to the 4th (72 miles) aid station we had a nice long stretch of old rail trail that I had only heard about. It was a welcome sight and good place to pick off a lot of riders. One guy commented as I went by that "this was boring", I replied with "better than a 20% hill!" and proceeded to drop him. At the 4th aid station Lee Unwin showed up right behind me. He had two flats at the beginning of the race, so he was playing catch up. Once I convinced him that I was really, really doing the 100 MILER and not 100 KILOMETER distance, we took off to ride around each other (he would drop me on the hills and wait up for me to catch him on the downhills). We made it to the next aid station (80 miles) kinda together and got taken care of by Scott again. We rode together until he got tired of waiting up for me.

After 9 hours, 34 minutes, 43 seconds of riding, I arrived at the finish line. I can finally cross this race off my list! 53rd overall in Open Male.

One thing I learned at the race this year is when the course turns onto a dirt road that says "No Outlet" or "Dead End", it's probably going to be a hill with a 20% grade that seems to go on forever!

Mohican 100 Garmin Data

Thanks to Adventure 212, Specialized, Hostel Shoppe, NoTubes, Crankbrothers, Optic Nerve, Scrub, Hidden Bay Sports for all the support.

Special Thanks to Michelle & Chris Peariso who makes it all happen for the team to go to these great events. It's never boring!!!!

Syllamo's Revenge

2011-05-18T19:40:00.003-05:00

I let the course beat me...

Redhead Monday

2011-05-16T07:23:00.000-05:00

Big Frog 65

2011-05-04T08:01:00.003-05:00

Going into the first race of the year, you never know what is gonna happen. Doubts fill your mind wondering if you rode enough during the winter and why would I pick a 65 miler in the mountains for the first race? The answer to the second question is "because I can".

Race was pretty uneventful. My goal was to go out slower than last year. Hard to do when the gun goes off, but I let the front group gap me on the start hill...12 miles later after cruising the great single track I was reunited with most of them. Goal was the same. Don't blow up this early. It makes for a long day!

The climb to the first aid station was in sight. I knew after I left here that it was going to get lonely for the next 4 to 5 hours. Scott was here with a broken bike. I offered parts off my bike so he could continue, but he wasn't going to let me not have FUN!

My only other goal besides finishing, was to break 6 hours. Knowing the course this year was an advantage in obtaining that goal. When my garmin clicked to 5 hours, I knew I had a chance.

The last 12 or so miles of single track were awesome this year! The Specialized S-Works Epic is the best bike out there! Point and go. Who cares what is in the way. It will track over anything and rail the corners! Descending the rocky single track to the finish this year was FUN! Pain was gone, I just wanted to see the finish line...in under 6 hours!

The final results saw me in 14th place with a time of 5 hours 59 minutes and 20 seconds!

40 seconds to spare!

Thanks to Adventure 212/Specialized and all our sponsors who makes these trips possible!

the waiting is the hardest part...

2011-04-08T07:25:00.001-05:00

WANTED: Dry Trails

First Crash of the Year

2011-02-20T15:00:00.004-06:00

A nice ride in the fresh falling snow today.

This is what the freshly fallen snow looked like after I decided to give it a closer look.

Don't worry, the Pugsley is OK.

A Ride on the Pugs

2011-02-12T13:53:00.001-06:00

Pugs riding by mdcmoto at Garmin Connect - Details

Looks like a Ray's weekend!

2011-01-24T12:08:00.001-06:00

Going to check out Ray's MTB this weekend. Maybe get a backflip or two in!!!!

(I better dig out the motocross gear so I don't hurt myself too bad!)

Training Day: 1-1-11 wind chill -11

2011-01-01T14:16:00.002-06:00

Updated 2011 Race Schedule

2010-12-31T08:32:00.001-06:00

04/30 > Cohutta 65

05/14 > Syllamo's Revenge 100

05/22 > WORS Rhinelander

06/04 > Mohican 100

06/12 > WORS Wausau

06/18 > Lumberjack 100

06/26 > Subaru Pro XCT-WORS

07/10 > WORS Eau Claire

07/24 > WORS Franklin

07/30 > Wausau 24 - 12 solo

08/07 > WORS Camrock

08/21 > WORS River Falls

08/28 > WORS Suamico

09/04 > Copper Harbor MTB

09/11 > WORS Lake Geneva

09/17 > Chequamegon 40

09/25 > WORS Bear Paw

10/09 > WORS Sheboygan

11/05 > IceMan Cometh

i'm ready for spring!

2010-12-14T15:23:00.002-06:00

ICEMAN: saved the best for last!

2010-11-07T06:34:00.000-06:00

Best race of the year for me...and the coldest. 5th out of close to 100 in my class. Medal and some money was the reward. Good to have some beer money for celebrating!

Was so cold at the start that it hurt! Kept telling myself that I would warm up quickly after the start...I don't know if that happened until after the finish. Hooked up with Rick Walls shortly after the start and worked with him almost the whole race. Made the difference between a so so race to a great race result.

Conditions were fast, icy, snowy and hard packed dirt. The renegade tires worked perfect. Traction is overrated sometimes. The S-Works Epic worked perfect as always with flawless shifting from XX.

A great weekend with the Adventure 212 team! Never a dull moment!
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

...change of plans

2010-11-01T14:49:00.003-05:00

New Roubaix

2010-10-29T12:24:00.002-05:00

Will be dressed up in RED.

first test on new bike...

2010-10-17T07:53:00.001-05:00

riding it is a breeze!

WORS - Sheboygan

2010-10-14T08:02:00.016-05:00

Bloody and Swollen was how the WORS season finished for me...not exactly how I was hoping for it to end, but shit happens!

Race recap: Great start. Got into the single track with the leaders. Flowing good, feeling good. Until "wack", I'm on the ground wondering how I got there. Unclip, stand up and my handlebars are parallel with my front wheel along with my knee bleeding. Not good! First reaction was "I'm done" as I watch the train of bikes file by me...

Next thought was "I'm not broken", so I have to finish. No quitting unless your physically broken or the bike is unrideable. Got the bars sort of straight and took off.

Rest of the race felt like slow motion crawling around the course hoping the bike and myself would make it to the end...a nice little battle on the last lap with a fellow comp rider helped make it a race after all!

Overall a GREAT weekend with my Adventure 212 teammates and all my good friends!

Weather wasn't too bad either!

Can't wait til spring!

Good Start!

My #1 Fan!

My favorite nephew!

WORS Bear Paw - The Stars Must of Been Aligned!

2010-09-27T17:59:00.003-05:00

2nd Place in Comp 40-44

13th overall

Congrats to Big D for his first Pro/Elite Win...

and to the rest of the Adventure 212 team!

thanks to Jay (the pirate) Labecki for the podium shot!

Chequamegon Fat Tire Pics

2010-09-20T21:56:00.002-05:00

SOLD: Stumpjumper Expert 29er Carbon

2010-09-02T21:52:00.004-05:00

SOLD

All stock except for wheels - Sun-Ringle Black Flag Pro 29er
Size: 17.5
22 lbs 12 oz.

More pictures upon request.

Email me at mdcmoto559@gmail.com if interested.

races

2010-08-30T20:25:00.009-05:00

Not much to say or maybe i can't remember what to say. Old age might be creeping up on me or heat stroke. pick one!

At Reforestation I took the commuter bike (Stumpy 29er) out to give it another chance after riding it back in Michigan the weekend before. I don't mind the big wheels, but this body is used to full suspension. Hard tails just don't work anymore. I like the course and it's a longer race, so I usually do pretty good at the stump farm. This race was no exception. Took 5th in age group. Pretty happy with that result!

Next on the agenda was the rescheduled Alterra Coffee Bean Classic at Crystal Ridge. Temps in the 90's, big frikin ski hill to climb 3 times (i suck on hills), but on the comfy S-Works Epic. So maybe it would be a good day.

Awesome start. I was third after the start hill and second and the bottom of the switchbacks to start the climb on the prolouge lap...then everyone started marching by me. Not the first time I've blown up that early, but I had to try to go out faster. The first full lap was nothing spectacular, just damage control and trying to breathe again. Did I mention it was hot?

I actually felt decent on the last lap. Started passing a few people, was flowing thru the singletrack pretty good and made it up the ski hill and finish line hill going faster than slow! Not a great result, but good last lap that made it feel worthwhile. Great course and lots of people cheering plus great bottle hand ups. Overall a successful weekend.

Looks like a few more races in September...I better go ride.......

retirement...

2010-08-01T16:49:00.015-05:00

...from endurance racing.

12 hour solo @ Wausau 24 was the race. Seems like I always say I am done doing these after the race, then sign back up for them forgetting the pain and suffering endured during the event. This time it's it. (a 2 or 4 man team for next year isn't out of the question though)

Nerves always get the best of me a few days prior to the events. Too much time to think about it. Goal was simple this year...ride the whole 12 hours and have fun. Fun went out the door as soon as they yelled go and race mode kicks in. The LeMans style start was on. Running in cycling shoes isn't a treat.

First 3 laps went pretty good. Pace felt right, not too fast. Only had to do a wheel change after the first lap to change the front wheel (luckily Scott brought his same bike) Then on the 4th lap, the dreaded lap that always shows up reared it's ugly head. Speed slows to a crawl, rock gardens that are usually no problem to ride become walking paths, head feels like you did shots of tequila at the last stop. Not riding to your potential or speed is frustrating and not fun. but you push on, that ugly lap is too be expected during an endurance race. Quitting seemed like the easy option, but that wasn't a choice. Started to feel better on the 5th lap and my times started getting faster again too. Pretty uneventful after that. Survival and 10 laps became the goal.

The last couple laps slowed a bit, but nothing like lap 4. The countdown of the remaining miles in the dark on the last lap and making it through the rock gardens on section 1, ho chi minh and section 12 in one piece was sweet relief.

Finished with 10 laps in about 11 1/2 hours for around 110 miles.

8th place out of 46

Thanks to Scott for reversing his role this year and helping me in the pits...I'm sure he would of rather been racing.

Now we get to see how many days it takes to walk normal again!

WORS Firecracker

2010-07-13T10:17:00.001-05:00

race face was on for the firecracker...good result on great course!

Next Bike?

2010-06-27T10:50:00.002-05:00

as always, donations are welcomed.

Lumberjack 100

2010-06-22T08:39:00.004-05:00

I came close to my goal of breaking 9 hours. I won't worry about being 5 minutes over.

I rode my own pace all day. Stomach issues...muscle cramps...hallucinations...conversations with myself...bad songs...the usual things that happen during 9 hours on a mountain bike when all your consuming is coke and water. At least I didn't bonk.

The road trip is always a big part of the weekend. With Scott and Lee around it was always exciting. Also great to see everyone and to have expert help in the pits by Shari and Jeff.

What's next? Looks like the WORS Subaru Cup saturday morning will be a go! Legs feel good, now the rest of the body has to catch up. 12 hour solo at Wausau 24 will be the end of endurance racing for me (i know i say it every year).

Lumberjack 100 weekend

2010-06-17T16:53:00.003-05:00

It's do or die this weekend!

and if I'm lucky, I will make it to the Subaru Cup next weekend!

monsoon season continues...

2010-06-07T20:00:00.001-05:00

I'm done traveling out of state for mountain bike races. If it's like this in Michigan in 2 weeks, I may be done riding for good!

I didn't think the weather could be worse than it was for Cohutta in Tennessee...well the weather in Ohio for the Mohican 100 beat them easily...Thunderstorms...Golf Ball sized Hail and that was only Friday! Saturday before the start, the rain stopped and the sun was shining in the sky. Too late for the saturated singletrack to follow, but nice to start out somewhat dry. The rest of the race report is as follows: NO FUN

As you can see by the photos, Scott, Chris & I weren't into it. I made it to the second aid station before I called it a day and hit the road back to the cabin. 35 miles (31 of it singletrack) in 4 hours is not alot of fun. Sure hurting is part of the game, but being totally miserable is not, at least for me. It's a hobby, it should be somewhat fun!

Time to rebuild the bike (again)

Me (mister happy)

Scott eating mud pie

Chris trying to stay on the bridge

p.s. the rest of the day saturday consisted of more thunderstorms and tornado warnings.

A few pics from WORS so far...

2010-05-31T16:51:00.007-05:00

A good race yesterday at 9 mile despite the heat. I think it was in the 90s at race time. The picture looks like i'm near death...i was just getting warmed up!
6th/22 in comp 40-44

Crystal Lake Classic was another story. Ended up being a casual ride after my legs decided they didn't want to play anymore. First race on the 29er too. Verdict is still out on the big wheels. They may show up at a race a few more times this year.

Iola was a good start to the WORS season. After doing Cohutta 65 the week before, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was all good!

29er First Ride

2010-05-06T11:54:00.004-05:00

Took the Stumpy 29er Expert out to Standing Rocks this morning to see if I will be wowed by the big wheels or not.

Initial feelings were that the bike sits totally different than my S-Works Epic (little wheels). I was way up in the air. Not sure I like that. Was a little while before that feeling disappeared. I won't go into details of everything I liked or disliked. My main response is that it is a good bike. Certain sections at Standing Rocks I felt like it might be an advantage, but others I think the full suspension works better. If this was the only bike I had to ride, then it would be fine. I don't think I would be any faster or slower once I get used to the bike.

The stuff I read about 29ers being like you have 4" of suspension to me is false. Yes, they soak up the bumps a little better than the 26" wheel on a hardtail, but not anywhere equal to a full suspension bike. I felt like it bounced over objects compared to being smooth.

Overall it's a good bike. I will keep tweaking the setup to make it better. It needs to loose a few pounds, but it will get ridden this summer and maybe show up at a race or two.

The Posse

WORS Iola

2010-05-04T10:09:00.002-05:00

Not a bad start to the WORS season. 10th in the 40-44 comp.

I'm happy with the result, but need to pick up the pace a little.
Can't ride these short races at endurance speed.

Thanks to Adventure 212/Specialized for letting me be a part of the team and Stina for handing me bottles. It was a great weekend!

some images from the weekend

2010-04-30T08:16:00.003-05:00

Big Frog 65 report

2010-04-26T18:56:00.013-05:00

"Sometimes "fun" hurts pretty f*cking bad.
A great quote from XXCmag.com that fits for the Cohutta experience.

Here is what I can recall of the race.
Pre-ride was great. Nice hot, dry conditions. We (Michelle, Lisa, Scott, Chris, Darrin & myself) checked out the start climb and a good portion of the first section of singletrack. Awesome is what can be said about the smooth, flowing singletrack.

Fast forward to the middle of the night...rain, rain, rain. All I thought about was the great singletrack was going to be miserable. Wake up early, try to eat as much as possible, prepare for the worst.

It was still pitch black at the starting area. The 1996 Olympic White Water events were held here, a beautiful place. As daylight moved slowly over the mountains, the rain began to disappear. The normal pre-race nerves were in action. Chris and Scott left for the start of their 100 mile romp and I was trying to figure out if I was ready. My warm-up consisted of riding to the starting line. The skies were clearing and the starter was claiming we would stay dry.

The race got on the way. Darrin went to the front as expected (he had to win, Chris said so! ha ha). I started off conservative, didn't want to blow up in the first couple miles. By the top of the hill, I had worked myself into a good position going into the single track, inside the top ten. The singletrack was even better with all the rain we had, tacky and fast. Soon we started to catch up to the back end of the 100 mile riders. Passing wasn't too much of an issue. Saw only one casualty which was an endo and face plant. I can still see her face slapping into the ground. I think she was ok, she still knew all the curse words in the book!

Got to the first aid station at the 18 mile mark where the 100 mile and 65 mile races split. Tried to take my time getting bottles refilled and my body refueled, but I hurried as usual and took off onto the next phase of the race. For the next 30ish miles I was on a rollercoaster ride of dirt roads that had 35 mph downhills followed by sliding thru the next corner to climbs that never seemed to end. For the first time in a race I was talking to myself out loud. Maybe I'm going crazy? Aid station #2 never showed up or I just plain missed it. That meant that I went the next 25ish miles wondering if I would ever see my drop bag with all my refueling supplies to keep me from bonking. Mile 42 showed up and an aid station with my bag. Way longer than I wanted to go between stops. Really took my time and drank and ate enough to make it to the end. Took off again and was cautious about going to hard, too soon. I was in survival mode now.

Trying to remember when it started to rain. It was light at first, nothing to worry about. As I entered the final section of single track to take me to the finish line, the rain got worse. I thought it was going to be a long downhill to the end. Boy, was I wrong! Soaking wet, long, long, long climbs with rivers of water rolling down them. The thunder and lightning was getting intense, too close for comfort at many times. The downhills were hurting as much as the uphills and the wet brakes were howling like dying animals. That is what it felt like at that point.

The turn onto the last mile or so on pavement was a welcomed sight. I knew the end was near. Sweet relief was close! A little over 6 hours on the bike and I crossed the finish line. Not quite the time I was hoping for, but a good placing of 12th made it ok.

A BIG THANKS to Michelle & Chris for all the support.
Adventure 212/Specialized team is a class act!

A great day was had by all.

Cohutta 100
Chris Peariso - 2nd
Scott Cole - 26th

Big Frog 65
Darrin Braun - 1st
Mark Cole - 12th

Lisa Krayer - 4th

Michelle Peariso - 7th

how to ride a log pile...

2010-04-13T20:25:00.002-05:00

...he did clear it perfectly the first time before i figured out how to use the video on my phone.

lifestyle...

2010-04-12T12:41:00.002-05:00

Waupaca Flanders

2010-04-05T07:45:00.004-05:00

A good Heartland Club Spring Classic ride yesterday. 62 miles of wind (lots of it) and sunshine, along with 12 other riders. Feeling good for this time of the year. First race is in less than three weeks at NUE Cohutta. Doing the 65 miler as it will be a good test of fitness. Then it's about 7-8 weeks of WORS and NUE races to follow. Will be a busy few months.

Point du Nord is next. The gravel roads are excellent right now.

Single Track Mind

2010-03-30T10:26:00.003-05:00

Rode about 7 miles worth of single track on the Island this morning with Nate. Perfect tacky trails. Can't ask it to be much better.

It's all clear now thanks to a few people putting some work into it.

Standing Rocks Work Day - 3-27 & 3-28

2010-03-26T08:04:00.005-05:00

We will work on the trails at Standing Rocks on both Saturday and Sunday starting at 3:00 p.m. We will meet at the parking lot on Standing Rocks Rd. as we will be working on sections 1, 2, 13, & 14. Bring gloves, bow saws, and water. If you have a leaf blower and want to bring it that would be good. You may also want to bring insect repellent for deer ticks. Also bring something to clean your shoes or boots off with. The areas we are working in have garlic mustard and the soil is loose, we will want to clean all the dirt off of the shoes before we leave the park. A good stiff brush works well. We will work from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. For those who want we will have sub sandwiches after that. Anyone working on the trails will need to sign a waiver from the county. If you work more than 10 hours this year the county will pay for your trails pass next year. Be sure to let me know if you are coming if you haven’t already done so.

Thanks, Jim
715-824-6747
jndsnad@yahoo.com

First Day of Spring...First Day of Singletrack

2010-03-20T16:27:00.001-05:00

frostbike bound

2010-02-18T13:19:00.002-06:00

headed to frostbike in a little bit...lots of stuff to see and learn!

maybe...

2010-02-13T22:09:00.004-06:00

...if I had one of these I would try to ride the big wheels!

I guess working on Scott's might be as close as that gets.

good day for riding!

2010-02-06T12:16:00.000-06:00

R.I.P. Jaz

2010-01-28T09:11:00.016-06:00

My puppy left us today. Thanks for 12 great years Jasmine!
You will be Missed!

May 3, 1997 - January 28, 2010

sweet ride!

2010-01-26T18:18:00.001-06:00

I have always wanted a Fat Bike...not sure which one would be better....

Yeti Pro-Fro

2010-01-20T08:54:00.004-06:00

The Yeti Pro-Fro is complete. Only needs decals.

This was Scott's race machine in the early to mid 90's.
It's pretty close to the same configuration as when he raced it...Onza brakes...Manitou Three fork...Control Tech stem, seatpost & barends...Kooka brake levers...Gripshift X-Ray shifters and San Marco Yeti saddle!

29...no...26....no....20...YES

2010-01-09T17:38:00.003-06:00

The acceleration I get is amazing!

past rides

2010-01-07T20:11:00.003-06:00

1998 Control Tech Team Issue

The original 2x9 - 12 years ago
Ritchey cranks with Sachs shifters...it just took the rest of the world a little longer to catch up.
Good bike...since Control Tech made some of the Schwinn Homegrowns, this bike was a close cousin.

Control Tech frame, brakes, seat post, stem, handlebars and bar ends.

I should have kept this one for my collection!

...s-works has a little buddy

2010-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

added an epic marathon to the stable during x-mas...retired the homegrown factory frame for good...hardtails are dead to me...

2010...year in review...so far

2010-01-02T15:25:00.003-06:00

Went to 9 mile and did some skiing on New Year's Day...first time up there on something other than a mountain bike...kept wanting to jump out the ski tracks and into the mtb single track. Really nice for skiing, will be making more trips up there.

Today was snowshoeing adventure out on the Green Circle trail along the Plover River. First time on the shoes, I think I like skiing better, but nice to have another activity to do in the winter.

Groomed trails again along the Plover River...looks like I will be on the skis again tomorrow!

...the next project

2009-12-29T08:12:00.001-06:00

time to start collecting parts for the 97 homegrown factory XTR...

Dog Christmas

2009-12-25T09:42:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas

2009-12-21T20:39:00.002-06:00

from me and jaz

easy bike stand

2009-12-19T12:24:00.002-06:00

Can't believe I never had thought of doing this before.
It's against the wall and I won't knock it down getting to my truck. So simple, it's stupid.

2010 MTB Schedule

2009-12-15T20:32:00.005-06:00

Here's a quick list of races:

Cohutta 100
WORS Iola
WORS Rhinelander
WORS 9-Mile
Mohican 100
Lumberjack 100
WORS Subaru Cup
WORS Chippewa Firecracker
WORS Alterra
24-9
Ore 2 Shore
WORS Reforestation
Copper Harbor
Chequamegon Fat Tire
WORS Wolf River
WORS Sheboygan
Iceman

*schedule subject to change as necessary because of old age, money, burn out, injury, money, redheads,common sense, sleep deprivation, money, redheads.

snow machine

2009-12-12T14:48:00.004-06:00

my redline monocog 29er...entering it's 3rd slush filled winter of riding.

Hostel Shoppe

2009-12-12T08:43:00.001-06:00

...is on facebook...check it out!

past rides

2009-12-10T19:09:00.004-06:00

My first road bike.
Team Miyata
Bought it thinking I might ride it once in a great while. I was a mountain biker, not a roadie. Then I realized I didn't have to drive somewhere to ride and the road wasn't too bad. Nice to be able to change it up. Now the Miyata has turned into this...

...the evolution continues.

deep thoughts

2009-12-02T07:55:00.001-06:00

past rides

2009-11-28T21:20:00.003-06:00

My 2nd Redline Conquest I owned...first one was sold about 10 years ago and as always you wish you hadn't sold it. Luckily one of my friends needed to get rid of this one and took it off his hands. Good old school dura-ace cranks and hubs with 105 shifters and derailluer, avid shorty brakes rounded out the beast. Didn't race it as much as I wanted, but cross bikes are a great all around bicycle to own. I got my money out of it. Many of these parts have been transfered onto my 2000 S-Works CX frame.

weight loss

2009-11-24T07:37:00.002-06:00

i figured out how to shave 20 lbs off my bike for next season...

86 CR250 is ALIVE!

2009-11-22T17:58:00.002-06:00

Finally I got the CR250 out for its maiden voyage after getting it rideable. It sat in a basement for the last 7 years of it's life before Scott & I rescued it. Took a little cleaning and fixing some minor mechanical issues, but all in all this is still a great bike as it was in 1986.

Wasn't sure what to expect. Kind of had the worst scenario in mind, that the engine would blow and that would be the end for now, but it runs like a champ and even though it doesn't handle as good as my 05 CRF250 did, it is a blast to ride!

I hope to have many more rides before it gets the proper restoration it deserves.

past rides

2009-11-13T18:01:00.005-06:00

My 1976 BMX Products RacerX

Racing at Horton, Michigan

This bike has been around the block. Kept it for a long time...repainted it, put mongoose decals on it...sold it to a friend for his kid...got trashed...bought it back and restored it...it's back for good now!

BMX Products was the low end side of Mongoose back in the day. Highlights on this bike is the Tange Fork , Tuf Neck Stem, Ashtabula Cranks.

Kings & Queens - 30 Seconds to Mars

2009-11-12T07:39:00.002-06:00

Kings & Queens

30 Seconds to Mars | MySpace Video

Iceman start photo

2009-11-10T10:45:00.003-06:00

A great start photo by Bryan Mitchell. I'm in the red sleeves.

photo by: Bryan Mitchell bryanmitchell.com/wp
http://www.bryanmitchell.com/wp

Scott & I after the race.

I'm Done, Stick a Fork in Me...

2009-11-10T07:53:00.003-06:00

Iceman done. Good finish to the season. As always you start to think of the things to make next year better, let's hope I follow thru on what I need to do.

I got on the front row of the 170 starters in the age group. Good jump at the start saw me in about 5th on the mile of road before hitting the dirt road. Entered the trails somewhere 10-15ish. Game plan was going good as I was in the front group and not working too hard. The only real dumb move I made was the first sand pit. Coming down the hill everyone started to scatter to find a line (plus we were already catching riders from the wave in front of us) as I panicked and didn't go to the right. I got bogged down and saw what seemed like a hundred bikes go by before I got the momentum going again. The rest of the race was uneventful, which was good. Scott caught me just past the 21 mile mark and that helped to get my pace back up for the last 8 miles. A solid finish in the Expert 40-44 age group. 40th place out of 149 finishers and a time of 1:56:59.

On to next year!

iceman past

2009-11-03T08:25:00.003-06:00

Doesn't look like we will have this much fun this year at Iceman...I believe this was '95, don't know why I was smiling...white rims were all the rage that year!

past rides

2009-11-01T14:58:00.004-06:00

One bicycle I wished I still had. The Yamaha Motobike was full suspension before it's time. This bike was cool because it was really "bicycle" and "motocross" combined. Too bad it was heavy and slow on the track. I would have to have someone push it up the start hill at the old BMX track at Lumen Christi. Still look on ebay from time to time, but never pull the trigger on getting another one.

style

2009-10-22T07:56:00.002-05:00

one more from sheboygan

2009-10-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

...i was soooo close to 5 bucks until...

cyclocross time

2009-10-14T18:31:00.002-05:00

Going to try a couple of cyclocross races on my trusty old S-Works CX to hopefully keep me going until Iceman.

Should be hitting the Tripp Lake Park CX and Washington Park Halloween CX.

This weather isn't the most motivating when it comes to training, but in order not to embarrass myself, I need to keep on riding.

WORS Sheboygan

2009-10-13T04:29:00.004-05:00

Decent race to end the WORS season yesterday as the fuel tank went empty on the last lap and I finished on fumes.

Good start pic...too bad I was chasing the lead group up the hill after the start carnage.

Guessing this is the last time up the equalizer...not sure I knew where I was at the time.

7th/13 in 40-44 comp
1:55:22

eye candy or redhead monday

2009-09-28T21:50:00.001-05:00

Chequamegon 2009

2009-09-22T08:40:00.004-05:00

Good day at the race...10 minutes quicker than last year...started in the back and slowly got the motor up to speed and never backed off. More fun passing all the way to the finish than blowing up before fire tower hill. A few WORS races and then Iceman calls it a season.

Hot Violin Girls - Toxicity - System of a Down

2009-09-16T18:54:00.001-05:00

Click on the link, you won't be disappointed!

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1921177

Treadfest - Lake Geneva

2009-09-14T20:27:00.003-05:00

The hotest race day of the year...hard climbs...dry, dusty single track that looked like we were riding in fog on the first lap, slick also. Didn't expect much of myself, was treating it as a warm up for Chequamegon this weekend (basically my speed workout for the week).

Results weren't bad, 6th in the age group, 38th overall comp. About where I usually end up.

Scenic Bike Path

2009-09-06T15:18:00.001-05:00

more ramble pics

2009-09-01T18:58:00.001-05:00

Podium day!

2009-08-30T15:59:00.001-05:00

4th in 40-44 comp. Good race for feeling tired! Strong legs today, pacing myself better on the longer races (36 miles today) is helping to be stronger at the end.
Sent from my BlackBerry Smartphone provided by Alltel

winter commuter?

2009-08-30T06:37:00.001-05:00

I think this would go thru the mud and snow nicely!

rain on me...

2009-08-28T07:37:00.002-05:00

looks like no riding today...rode in the rain last night, not something I want to do everyday.
headed back to point sometime around midnight so I can work tomorrow (i will be grumpy, some would say what's new)...maybe race at reforestation on sunday...need 2 more races for the series and I know the course is great.

is your bike ready?

2009-08-24T10:20:00.001-05:00

Michigan Mafia

2009-08-21T21:01:00.003-05:00

back to michigan to ride with these ugly mugs.

...and hang out with my mutt!

Resurrection...ready for the track once more!

2009-08-16T13:01:00.005-05:00

1986 Honda CR250R

Someday it will get the real restoration it deserves.

Alterra Coffee Bean Classic

2009-08-04T12:32:00.004-05:00

A race that I felt good about. I've had other decent results this year, but this one felt great. Legs showed up and didn't disappoint. I chose not to blow myself up on the start climb (like I did at sunburst) knowing that would put me in a bad spot going into the singletrack. Stayed patient and slowly worked around people the rest of the day. The finish hill was a bitch, but knowing your almost done is sweet enough to keep your legs pushing. Thanks to Mountaingoat for the hand ups!7th in 40-44 comp
39th overal comp
1:54:19

crystal ridge...

2009-07-31T08:34:00.003-05:00

driving down saturday after work with scott to hopefully get there in time to pre-ride before dark. then staying in the WORS hotel (thanks don). last time there it was a little muddy (07). I can ride the mud, it's the clean up i hate.
i will be doing a no-rain dance tonight (it won't be pretty)

the future...

2009-07-28T13:40:00.002-05:00

24-9

2009-07-26T18:24:00.003-05:00

Ended up doing 5 laps after the start. 30 minutes faster than the first 5 laps last year. The plan was to ride and have fun and quit when the fun was done. Lap 5 in the rain storm ended the fun, plus my knee was screaming at me too. 72ish miles in 6 1/2 hours was good enough. I can always look back and say I could have done more, kept going, but I went as far as I needed to. Next year? I don't know, maybe get a team together. Got a year to think about it.